Welcome to NFP Awareness Ideas and Activities for Parishes!
Here you will find great ideas for events and activities your parish can host to build NFP Awareness for your own faith community and parishes in your cohort. Assistance from the Department of Evangelization and Family Life is always available.
NFP Introductory Session
Hold an Introductory Session for engaged and newly married couples at the parish or cohort level with an overview of the science, methods, ethics and benefits of using NFP (available in English or Spanish from the Department of Evangelization and Family Life, 609-403-7156). Invite engaged couples and their mentors, parents who are baptizing infants, Communion and Confirmation parents, youth group members and parents, teachers and catechists. NFP Awareness and Education falls within the areas of responsibility of parish Marriage Ministry.
“Not Your Mom’s NFP” Presentation
Hold this engaging and impactful presentation that busts all the most common myths about Natural Family Planning at your parish for parish leaders, engaged couples, marriage ministry team couples, mentor couples, newly married couples and young parents. Learn why engaged couples at our Pre-Cana events have responded so positively to this catchy, thought-provoking presentation (sponsored by the Department of Evangelization and Family Life, 609-403-7156).
A Crash Course in Family Planning for Catholic Parish Leaders
This interactive presentation was developed for priests, deacons, youth ministers, and parish ministry leaders by the Catholic Medical community and the USCCB, to provide a thorough scientific overview of the miraculous monthly chain of events that happens in the female reproductive system. Participants learn everything from the fascinating interplay of hormones that is the source of fertility tracking, to the practicalities of learning a method of NFP and the obstacles we face as clergy and Catholic leaders in convincing Catholic married couples of the vital importance of fertility appreciation according to God’s plan. To schedule a presentation at the parish or cohort level, contact Peg Hensler, Associate Director for Marriage Ministries and Natural Family Planning, 609-403-7156; phensler@dioceseoftrenton.org.
Humanae Vitae for 2022 - Discovering its Relevance for Today’s Catholics
Hold a facilitated panel discussion on St. Paul VI’s prophetic encyclical, Humanae Vitae. Learn why the 1965 document was dismissed by so many Catholics at the time, why it continues to spark controversy and why it is one of the greatest treasures of the Roman Catholic Church for marriage and family life for all generations. To schedule a panel discussion, contact the Department of Evangelization and Family Life, 609-403-7156.
Eucharistic Adoration - Take all of your petitions to Christ in the Eucharist!
Plan an evening (morning or afternoon) of Eucharistic Adoration for your parish or cohort. Consider using meditative readings from Blessed John Paul II (e.g., Familiaris Consortio or Theology of the Body) and Catholic Teachings to design your time of Adoration. Make sure Confession is available.
The Rosary
Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary that married couples may live God's design for life and love! Encourage group Rosaries for specific marriage-NFP building intentions. Plan a special Rosary for NFP families. Have the children participate!